ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Firefighters from the Douglas Forest Protective Association, Douglas Fire District No. 2 and the Roseburg Fire Department are prepping for wildfire season this week.

The training will happen on Reservoir Hill in Roseburg. Officials said the objectives include a refresher on wildland firefighting tactics, continued training on command and control procedures for multi-unit incident response, and eliminating fuels in an effort to minimize the threat of an uncontrolled burn in the area.

Kyle Reed, fire prevention specialist for the Douglas Protective Association, said they've held virtual trainnings for the last few months due to COVID-19. However, he said hands-on trainning is crucial because it prepares firefighters for what they'll encounter in the field. 

“We’re giving them all the opportunity first-hand to dig some lines, squirt some water and do good things,” said Reed. 

This is also an opportunity for all the fire agencies in Douglas County to train together, improving their ability to work together in the field.

“(We need) to really see what our capabilities are as an individual firefighter and as a fire department," said Roseburg Battalion Chief Randy Babbitt. 

The training will take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday.